it would be nice if i could use my own extension without signing it

[username_taken]

in order to permanently add your own extension(add-on) you have to go through an entire song and dance of creating a developer account, enabling two step verification and signing the add-on. but i dont want to publish it. it's just a little utility i have created for my personal use and the only way to use it is either load it temporarily  every time i start a browser or sign it. chromium just lets u load your extension from a file and use it so i thought it would be possible to have the same here

[grundt]

I couldn't agree more.

Not only are there hoops to jump through, but the signing process has a dependency on Node.js and NPM.
Some people may not want those on their machine, given their reputation as vectors for malware infection.

I think this discussion could really benefit having someone from Mozilla simply explain WHY this restriction is in place, WHAT does it purport to achieve.  If someone (rightfully) can install any (unsigned) addon they care to, then what does forcing them to re-install it at every browser restart accomplish?

related: Firefox disabled my self-made add-on for "violating policies"